If you are thinking about starting a career as a commercial driver, one of the very first questions you may have is, “How much does it cost to get a CDL in Missouri?” Generally, obtaining a CDL consists of a few steps that each carry various fees and they can range from $4,000 to $12,000. From getting the learner’s permit down to the skills tests, and even a medical examination, it all piles up. This article will break down the different fees involved in getting a CDL in Missouri so that you may plan your budget and understand the investment needed to start your trucking career. Whether you want a Class A, B, or C CDL, we are here to help you learn all that you need to know about the cost in Missouri.
How much does it cost to get a CDL in Missouri?
In general, getting a CDL license in Missouri will cost anything from $4,000 to $12,000. It will depend on what kind of CDL you get, which training program you enroll in, and whether you want to get extra endorsements or not. Now we will take each cost individually involved in your getting your CDL so you might know exactly how much is involved in your becoming a commercial driver in Missouri.
Commercial Learner’s Permit fee
To apply for a Commercial Driver’s License in Missouri, you have to acquire a Commercial Learner’s Permit. A CLP costs $41.00, broken down as follows:
- Written examination test fee: $25.00.
This is the fee paid for the written knowledge test that proves your knowledge of the rules and regulations on the road concerning commercial driving.
- Permit transaction fee: $10.00.
This is the processing and issuance fee of the CLP once you have passed the written examination.
- Office processing fee: $6.00.
A statutorily required fee is charged by the licensing office to cover the cost of providing the service.
The CLP is valid for a period of six months and allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a qualified CDL holder. It is a no-option step before taking the skills test for your full CDL.
CDL skills test fee
The skills test is a mandatory step toward obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License in the state of Missouri. This test helps to determine a driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle and their competence on the road in various situations. The fee for testing, which is $25.00, covers three parts of administration:
- Pre-trip inspection.
- Basic vehicle control.
- On-road test.
You must have a valid CLP and meet all the other eligibility requirements to schedule the skills test. You will be tested in the type of vehicle you intend to operate with your CDL so you will need to bring an appropriate vehicle class for the test.
CDL training fee
The fee of CDL training programs in Missouri varies from affordable to more expensive, depending on the type of training and the institution chosen. Here is what you can expect:
- Most training programs are provided by community colleges, private truck driving schools, or company-sponsored training programs.
- The tuition generally ranges from $4,000 to $12,000, depending on program length and the type of CDL desired – class A or class B and any additional endorsements.
For example, the State Fair Community College offers a Class A CDL training course for $5,210; and $118 for permit and licensure fees. While in the Private Truck Driving Schools, the tuition may range from $ 6,000 to $10,000. However, certain private schools may also allow financing or a payment system.
Obtain CDL fee
Upon passing the required skills test for your CDL in Missouri and obtaining your CDL, you will encounter a fee, which correlates directly with the length of time the license is valid. Below is the breakdown for you:
- 3-Year license: $20.00.
Ideal for drivers who may require only a short-term license.
- 6-Year license: $40.00.
Cost-effective for those whose desire extends beyond a few years into this career.
In addition, the following office processing fees are owed depending on the length of your CDL:
- $6.00 processing fee – if the license is issued for three years or less.
- $12.00 processing fee – if the license is issued for more than three years.
This will give you the legal right to drive commercial vehicles; you may need endorsements depending on what kind of vehicles you will be driving or what type of cargo you will carry. Check for added fees or any other requirements for getting the endorsement.
Medical examination fee
This would include the cost for assessment of your physical and health eligibility for the CDL qualification, usually covering all required vision, hearing, and blood pressure tests along with urinalysis, all to be done through a physical examination by a certified medical professional.
Most providers charge the same amount for an exam, with an average cost of $160 for most clinics and medical facilities in Missouri. Some have package deals that combine a DOT physical and drug test under one fee.
Because the regulations require it, this should be another added cost in your overall budget to get your CDL. Always confirm the price with your chosen medical examiner, since prices can vary and unexpected expenses may arise.
Additional fees
Apart from the regular fee for obtaining a CDL in Missouri, there are other additional costs you will have to incur during the due course of the process. Such fees include but are not limited to endorsement application or background check fees. This will help you understand these other costs for good budgeting and avoid multiple unforeseen expenses as you try to get your CDL.
Adding endorsements
The fee to add an endorsement to your CDL is based on the endorsement you are applying for. Each endorsement requires a written knowledge test. Each test is $25.00. If a skills test is required, as it will be for endorsements such as Passenger and School Bus, an additional $25.00 skills test fee will be applied.
Depending on the license duration and Missouri Department of Revenue processing requirements, there may also be an administrative fee to update your CDL with new endorsements. Be sure to budget for these added costs when planning to add endorsements, as they are a key part of increasing your driving qualifications.
TSA background check for Hazardous Materials endorsement fee
To receive a hazardous materials endorsement on your Commercial Driver’s License, you will be required to undergo a background check through the Transportation Security Administration. The $86.50 fee pays for processing your application, a thorough background check, and verification of your eligibility to transport hazardous materials.
This fee is paid directly to TSA at the time of enrollment, either online or in person at an approved enrollment center. The process includes fingerprinting, identification documents, and a security threat assessment.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to get a CDL learner’s permit in Missouri?
The cost to apply for a CLP in Missouri is $41.00 and includes the following:
- $25.00 for the written test.
- $10.00 for the permit transaction fee.
- $6.00 for office processing fee.
2. Can I get a CDL for free in Missouri?
It is highly unlikely to get a free CDL in Missouri. Sure, some company-sponsored training may exist where they would cover the cost of your CDL in return for some type of work commitment. However, there is likely a fee for a permit, testing, and medical examination to get a CDL. Most CDL training programs will range in cost from $4,000 to $12,000, depending on the institution and the type of training. Some employers will pay these costs in return for your agreement to drive for them for a period of time.
Final thoughts
The cost to get a CDL in Missouri can be very variable depending on many factors such as the type of CDL, training program, endorsements, and other fees that come with medical exams and background checks. You should budget anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000 on average to cover all your expenses for getting your CDL. But again, this is not a high-cost investment if taken as a stepping stone towards getting into the trucking profession and opening up numerous job opportunities with good pay. Once you understand how much does it cost to get a CDL in Missouri, you will be in a better position to set a budget and move forward in the process more smoothly.
